CN109736056B - laundry treatment device - Google Patents

Abstract

A clothes treatment device, comprising: a casing, a door for opening and closing the casing, a treatment chamber located on the upper side of the interior of the casing, and a circulation chamber located on the lower side of the treatment chamber; the circulation chamber includes: an air supply unit, a heat pump unit, a steam unit and the circulation component of the control unit that controls the steam unit, the air supply unit and the heat pump unit; a box module frame separating the circulation chamber from the outside is arranged in front of the air supply unit, and the box module frame is arranged adjacent to the left and right. A plurality of boxes containing water; the circulation assembly is loaded and unloaded from the circulation chamber; each box in the plurality of boxes includes: a box body, which is open in the front, and has an arc shape on the upper side, and has a lower surface extending further downward than the bottom surface. side and back; box cover, respectively combined with the front of the box body, forming a handle part recessed from the front to the rear side; decorative cover, covering the front of the box cover, with a shape corresponding to the box cover ; Water level sensor to detect the water level stored in the main body of the box.

Description

laundry treatment device

This application is a divisional application with the application number of 201510962747.X and the filing date of December 21, 2015 as the parent application.

technical field

The present invention relates to a laundry treatment device.

Background technique

The laundry processing apparatus refers to any apparatus for managing laundry that washes, dries, and removes wrinkles, etc., of laundry at home or in a laundromat.

For example, the clothes treatment apparatus includes a washing machine for washing clothes, a dryer for drying clothes, a washing machine with a drying function that has both a washing function and a drying function, a refresher for refreshing clothes, Steamer, etc. for improving unnecessary wrinkles in clothing.

A refresher is a device for keeping clothes in a comfortable and fresh state, and performs functions such as drying the clothes, providing fragrance to the clothes, preventing the clothes from generating static electricity, or improving the wrinkles of the clothes.

A steamer is generally a device that simply supplies steam to clothes to remove wrinkles from the clothes, and unlike a general iron, removes wrinkles from the clothes without directly supplying heat to the clothes.

The clothes treating apparatus having both such a refresher function and a steamer function can perform functions such as wrinkle removal and deodorization of the clothes accommodated therein using steam and hot air.

Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0016093

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treatment device capable of directly detecting the water level of water stored in a case.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus in which a user can confirm the lack of water without delay during work.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a laundry treatment device, comprising:

case,

opening and closing the door on the front side of the housing,

a treatment chamber on the upper side of the interior of the housing for placing laundry, and

a circulation chamber located on the underside of the processing chamber inside the housing;

The circulation chamber includes a circulation component;

The circulation assembly includes an air supply unit that circulates the air in the processing chamber, a heat pump unit that is located behind the air supply unit and adjusts the air discharged from the air supply unit, and a heat pump unit that supplies steam to the processing chamber. a steam unit and a control unit for controlling the steam unit, the air supply unit and the heat pump unit;

A box module frame separating the circulation chamber from the outside is arranged in front of the air supply unit, and a plurality of boxes for holding water are arranged adjacent to the left and right on the box module frame;

the circulation assembly is detachable from the circulation chamber;

Each box in the plurality of boxes includes:

The box body is open at the front, the upper side has an arc shape, and has side and back extending downwards more than the bottom;

The box cover is respectively combined with the front side of the box body, and is formed with a handle part recessed from the front side to the rear side;

a decorative cover covering the front face of the case cover and having a shape corresponding to the case cover; and

The water level sensor detects the water level stored in the tank body.

Preferably, the water level sensor includes:

the float housing on the back of the box body,

a float that moves up and down within the float housing, and

The float installation part of the said float case is supported in the said case main body.

Preferably, the float installation portion protrudes from the back surface of the case body toward the case cover, and supports the float case on the back surface of the case body.

Preferably, the sensor fixing portion extends from the inner side of the case cover to the back surface of the case body to fix the float case on the back surface of the case body.

Preferably, the float includes a magnet,

The water level sensor further includes a sensor for detecting the float,

The sensors are located on the box module frame at corresponding heights capable of detecting the float.

Preferably, the plurality of boxes include:

a water supply tank for supplying water to the steam unit; and

A drain tank collects and stores condensed water generated in the process chamber or the heat pump unit.

Preferably, the float housing of the drain tank and the float installation portion of the drain tank are formed on the upper portion of the tank body of the drain tank.

Preferably, the float case of the drain tank is arranged at a position where condensate water generated during one trip is stored so as not to overflow.

Preferably, the sensor of the drain tank is located on the tank module frame at a corresponding height capable of detecting the float of the drain tank.

Preferably, in the water supply tank,

The float case of the water supply tank and the float installation portion of the water supply tank are provided at a height position separated from the bottom surface of the tank body of the water supply tank by a predetermined distance.

Preferably, the predetermined distance at which the float housing of the water supply tank is provided is a water level corresponding to the amount of steam required for one stroke.

Preferably, the sensor of the water supply tank is located on the tank module frame at a corresponding height capable of detecting the float of the water supply tank.

Preferably, even if the sensor of the water supply tank outputs a signal of insufficient water during operation, the control unit continues the operation of the steam unit until the current operation ends.

Preferably, the control unit continues the operation until the current trip ends even if the sensor of the drain tank outputs a signal of water rejection during operation.

Preferably, the water level sensor of the water supply tank and the water level sensor of the drain tank are respectively arranged inside the main body of the tank body, and the arrangement position of the water level sensor of the water supply tank and the arrangement position of the water level sensor of the drain tank are different from each other. Same.

Preferably, the water level sensor of the water supply tank is located at a lower position than the water level sensor of the drain tank.

A clothing treatment device provided in a second aspect of the present invention includes:

case,

opening and closing the door on the front side of the housing,

a treatment chamber on the upper side of the interior of the housing for placing laundry, and

a circulation chamber located on the underside of the processing chamber inside the housing;

The circulation assembly includes an air supply unit that circulates the air in the processing chamber, a heat pump unit that is located behind the air supply unit and adjusts the air discharged from the air supply unit, and a heat pump unit that supplies steam to the processing chamber. a steam unit to control the steam unit, the air supply unit, and the control unit of the heat pump unit;

A box module frame separating the circulation chamber from the outside is arranged in front of the air supply unit, and a plurality of boxes for holding water are arranged adjacent to the left and right on the box module frame.

The multiple boxes include:

a water supply tank for supplying water to the steam unit; and

a drain tank that collects and stores condensed water generated in the treatment chamber or the heat pump unit;

The water supply tank and the drain tank respectively include:

The box body is open at the front, the upper side has an arc shape, and has side and back extending downwards more than the bottom;

The box cover is respectively combined with the front side of the box body, and is formed with a handle part recessed from the front side to the rear side;

a decorative cover covering the front face of the case cover and having a shape corresponding to the case cover; and

a water level sensor for detecting the water level stored in the main body of the box;

The water level sensor of the water supply tank is arranged at the minimum water level of the flow required by the steam unit to run one stroke;

The water level sensor of the said drain tank is arrange|positioned in the position which can store the condensed water which at least one of the said heat pump unit and the said process chamber generate|occur|produces during one stroke.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a clothing treatment device, comprising: a casing, which is divided into a treatment room for placing clothes, a circulation room for setting a mechanical device, and a box body setting space for setting a separable box body; a door for opening The casing is closed; a steam unit is arranged in the circulation chamber, and supplies steam to the processing chamber; a heat pump unit is arranged in the circulation chamber, circulates the air in the processing chamber, and circulates the circulating air. The air is air-conditioned; the water supply tank is detachably arranged in the box installation space, and is connected to the steam unit for supplying water; the drainage tank is detachably arranged in the box installation space to store the treatment Condensed water generated by at least one of the chamber and the heat pump unit; a water supply water level sensor, arranged inside the water supply tank, directly detects the water level of the stored water; a drain water level sensor, arranged inside the drain tank , directly detect the water level of the stored water.

The laundry treatment device of the present invention may include: a partition plate, which divides the interior of the casing into the treatment chamber and the circulation chamber up and down; and a box module frame, which divides the lower space of the partition plate into front and rear. Space is provided for the circulation chamber and the box.

The box installation space may be formed toward the door.

The water supply tank and the drain tank may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

A box support rod may be disposed between the box installation space and the door, and at least one of the water supply tank and the drain box may be blocked by the box support rod.

At least one of the water supply tank and the drainage tank may be recessed to form a tank support end, and the tank support end and the tank support rod interfere with each other.

The water supply tank or the drain tank blocked by the tank support rod may form a continuous surface with the tank support rod.

The upper side of at least one of the water supply tank and the drain tank may be formed in an arcuate shape so as to minimize interference with the partition plate during disassembly.

At least one of the water supply tank and the drain tank may have a handle portion formed in a concave shape toward the rear side from the front.

The water supply water level sensor may include: a float housing fixed inside the water supply tank; a float arranged inside the float housing and moving up and down inside the float housing under the action of buoyancy; A sensor is provided on the casing side, and detects the magnetic force of the float.

The sensor is installed in one of the circulation chamber and the housing installation space.

The float housing of the water supply level sensor may be arranged at the position of the water supplied to the steam unit during one stroke.

The drain water level sensor may include: a float housing fixed inside the drain tank; a float arranged inside the float housing and moving up and down inside the float housing under the action of buoyancy; A sensor is provided on the casing side, and detects the magnetic force of the float.

The sensor may be installed in one of the circulation chamber and the box installation space.

The float case of the said drain water level sensor is arrange|positioned in the position which can store the condensed water which generate|occur|produces during one stroke of at least one of the said heat pump unit and the said process chamber.

The water supply tank or the drainage tank may comprise: a box body with an open front, and the upper side when inserted into the box setting space forms an arc shape; a box cover, combined with the front of the box body, forms an arc shape. There is a handle portion formed inwardly in a concave shape, and a check valve is provided in the case body, and opens and closes a flow path discharged from the case body to the outside.

A box body support rod is arranged between the box body installation space and the door, and at least one of the water supply box and the drain box is blocked by the box body support rod; the water supply box and the drainage box are blocked by the box body support rod; At least one of them is formed with a case support end which is blocked by the upper side of the case support rod and interferes with each other, and the case support end is formed to be recessed to the rear side.

A check valve provided in the water supply tank may be disposed on the lower side of the tank body, and may be connected to the steam unit for supplying water.

A water supply hole may be formed on the upper side of the box body, and a water supply hole cover for opening and closing the water supply hole may be further included.

A float setting portion may be formed inside the box body, and the box body and the box cover may be manufactured by mold slide injection molding. During the mold slide injection molding, the water supply water level sensor or The drain water level sensor may be installed in the float installation portion by injection molding.

The laundry treatment apparatus of the present invention has an advantage that the amount of water stored in the water supply tank can be directly detected instead of estimated.

The laundry treatment apparatus of the present invention has an advantage that the water level of the stored water can be detected without delay.

The laundry treatment apparatus of the present invention has an advantage that the water level in the drain tank can be detected without delay, and thus the overflow of the water in the drain tank can be prevented.

The laundry treatment apparatus of the present invention has an advantage that the water supply water level sensor is provided at the water level required for steam generation in at least one stroke, so that the water supply can be prevented from being interrupted in the middle of steam generation.

The clothes treating apparatus of the present invention has an advantage that the drain water level sensor is provided at a position where all the condensed water generated during driving at least one trip can be stored, so that the condensed water can be prevented from overflowing or the drain tank can be drained during operation.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is an exploded perspective view of the circulation assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a perspective view of the circulation assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the water supply tank shown in Fig. 1 .

Fig. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the water supply tank shown in Fig. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the anti-return assembly shown in FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the water supply tank shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the drain tank shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the drain tank shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of the drain tank shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the laundry treating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .

Description of reference numerals

10: shell; 12: treatment room; 14: circulation room; 20: door; 30: air supply unit; 40: steam unit; 50: heat pump unit; 60: control unit; 70: box module; 80: water supply box ;81: Water supply hole; 82: Box body; 83: Float setting part; 84: Box cover; 85: Window; 86: Decorative cover; 87: Handle part; 89: Water supply hole cover; 90: Drain tank; 93 : Float setting part; 100: Water supply water level sensor; 101: Drain water level sensor; 102: Float; 104: Sensor; 105: Float housing; 110: Water supply check valve; 111: Check valve hole; 112: Check assembly ; 113: Check housing; 114: Check flow path; 115: Valve; 116: Check elastic member; 120: Drain check valve.

Detailed ways

The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

During the description of the present invention, if it is judged that the specific description of the related well-known functions or configurations unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. It should be clarified that, even if the same term is used, if the structural part represented is different, it will be marked with different reference numerals.

In addition, the terms described later are terms selected in consideration of the functions in the present invention, and may be changed according to the intentions or conventions of users such as experimenters and measurers, and therefore, the contents of the entire specification should be define the basis.

In this specification, terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various structural components, but the structural components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one structural element from other structural elements. For example, a first structural component may be named a second structural component, and similarly, a second structural component may be named a first structural component without departing from the scope of the present invention. The term "and/or" includes a combination of plural associated recited items or one of the plural associated recited items.

The terms in this specification are used only to describe a specific embodiment, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Expressions of the singular shall include the plural unless the context does not clearly indicate otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical terms including technical or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms and the like defined in commonly used dictionaries should be construed as having meanings consistent with those in the context of the related art, and should not be construed as ideal or overly formal meanings unless explicitly defined in this application .

In addition, if it is stated that a part "includes" a certain structural component, unless otherwise stated, it means that other structural components may also be included, and other structural components should not be excluded.

1 is a perspective view of a laundry treatment apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a circulation assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the circulation assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, 4 is an exploded perspective view of the water supply tank shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the water supply tank shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the anti-return assembly shown in FIG. 5 , and FIG. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the drainage tank shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the drainage tank shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 10 is a side sectional view of the drainage tank shown in Fig. 1 picture.

The clothes treating apparatus of this embodiment includes a casing 10 and a door 20 that opens and closes the front side of the casing 10 .

The interior of the housing 10 is divided into upper and lower parts by a partition plate 11 . The upper side of the partition plate 11 is the treatment chamber 12 where the clothes are placed. The lower side of the partition plate 11 is the circulation chamber 14 where the mechanical device is arranged.

The processing chamber 12 is used for placing clothes, and de-creasing or deodorizing the clothes through steam or air circulation.

The circulation chamber 14 is provided with: an air supply unit 30 for circulating the air in the processing chamber 12; a steam unit 40 for supplying steam to the processing chamber 12; and a heat pump unit 50 for supplying steam to the processing chamber 12 12 air conditioning; control unit 60, which controls each unit 30, 40, 50.

In this embodiment, the assembly of the above-mentioned mechanical devices such as the air blowing unit 30 , the steam unit 40 , the heat pump unit 50 , and the control unit 60 for driving each stroke of the laundry treatment device is defined as a circulation component.

The blower unit 30 includes a blower 32 and an inlet duct 34 .

The intake passage 34 is provided on the suction side of the blower 32 , and guides the air inside the processing chamber 12 to the blower 32 .

The blower 32 causes air to flow by the rotation of the blower, sucks air from the processing chamber 12 , and discharges the air to the heat pump unit 50 .

The steam unit 40 generates heat after being powered on, receives water from a water supply tank 80 to be described later, and converts the water into steam. The generated steam is discharged to the processing chamber 12 .

In the present embodiment, a flow path for causing the air conditioned by the heat pump unit 50 to flow to the processing chamber 12 is configured.

The heat pump unit 50 is composed of a refrigeration cycle including a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion valve. The heat pump unit 50 may discharge cooled air or heated air into the processing chamber 12 according to the working mode.

In particular, the heat pump unit 50 can dehumidify the air supplied from the air supply unit 30 .

A tank module 70 for storing water is arranged in front of the circulation chamber 14 . The box module 70 includes: a water supply tank 80 , which supplies water to the steam unit 40 ; and a drain tank 90 , which collects and stores the condensed water generated in the processing chamber 12 .

The water of the water supply tank 80 flows to the steam unit 40 through the water supply pump 45 .

The condensed water generated in the treatment chamber 12 flows to the lower side of the treatment chamber under the action of its own weight, and then flows to the drainage tank 90 through the drainage pump 46 . The condensed water generated in the heat pump unit 50 also flows to the drain tank 90 through the drain pump 46 .

The feed pump 45 or the drain pump 46 is controlled by the control unit 60 .

In this embodiment, a box module frame 71 is provided on the front side of the air intake passage 34 .

A box installation space 73 is formed between the box module frame 71 and the door 20 . The box module frame 71 is combined with the partition plate 11 to separate the circulation chamber 14 from the outside.

The box module frame 71 divides the space at the lower side of the partition plate 11 into two parts, namely the circulation room and the box installation space.

A tank support rod 75 is provided on the front side of the tank installation space 73 , and the tank support rod 75 interferes with at least one of the water supply tank 80 and the drain tank 90 .

The tank support rod 75 prevents the water supply tank 80 or the drain tank 90 from being inadvertently separated from the tank installation space 73 . The tank support rod 75 supports the front of the water supply tank 80 and the drain tank 90 .

Thereby, when the door 20 is opened and closed, the separation of the water supply tank 80 and the drain tank 90 from the tank installation space 73 is restricted.

In this embodiment, the lower end of the water supply tank 80 is blocked by the upper end of the tank support rod 75 . The lower end of the drain box 90 is blocked by the upper end of the box support rod 75 .

At least one of the water supply tank 80 and the drain tank 90 is formed with a tank support end 79 which interferes with the tank support rod 75 .

The box body supporting end 79 has a concave shape.

The tank support rod 75 and the front face of the water supply tank 80 form a continuous face through the tank support end 79 . The tank support rod 75 and the front face of the drain box 90 form a continuous face through the tank support end 79 .

The water supply tank 80 and the drain tank 90 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction in the tank installation space 73 .

The water supply tank 80 and the drain tank 90 are exposed to the user when the door 20 is opened.

A user can pull out the water supply tank 80 and the drain tank 90 .

The water supply tank 80 and the drain tank 90 may be separated from the tank module frame 71 . The water supply tank 80 and the drain tank 90 are detachable from the tank installation space 73 .

The water supply tank 80 is connected to the steam unit 40 to supply water, and the drain tank 90 is connected to the treatment chamber 12 for storing water flowing in from the treatment chamber 12 or the heat pump unit 50 .

The water supply box 80 includes: a box body 82, the front of which is open; a box cover 84, which is combined with the front of the box body 82; a decorative cover 86, which is combined with the box cover 84; water supply The check valve 110 is provided on the box body 82 to open and close the flow path connected to the steam unit 40 ; the water supply level sensor 100 detects the water level of the water stored in the box body 82 .

The case body 82 is formed with an opening in the front, and the water supply level sensor 100 is disposed inside.

The upper end on the back side of the case body 82 is formed in an arc shape, and when the case body 82 is disassembled, the interference with the partition plate 11 is minimized. With the arc-shaped structure, the user can easily take out the water supply tank 80 arranged on the lower side toward the user side.

In this embodiment, the water supply water level sensor 100 includes: a float housing 105, which is arranged inside the box body 82; a float 102, which is arranged inside the float housing 105 and moves up and down according to the water level. ; The sensor 104, which is arranged on the box module frame 71, is used to detect the float 102.

The float 102 is provided with a magnet, and the sensor 104 detects the magnetic force of the magnet.

The sensor 104 may be provided on the front or rear surface of the box module frame 71 .

The sensor 104 can be disposed through the box module frame 71 .

Thus, the sensor 104 can be located in one of the circulation chamber 14 , the case installation space 73 , and the case module frame 71 .

The float 102 disposed inside the water supply tank 80 is located on the same horizontal line as the sensor 104 , and when the water level drops, the float 102 moves to a position lower than the sensor 104 . Therefore, when the sensor 104 cannot detect the float 102, the control unit 60 outputs a signal of lack of water. Even if the signal of the lack of water is output, steam can be sufficiently supplied during the course.

Since the control unit 60 always detects the float 102 through the sensor 104, it can determine whether or not the water supply tank 80 is installed.

For example, when the user does not install the water supply tank 80 or lacks water, the control unit 60 outputs a signal of lack of water.

Thus, when the user wants to operate the laundry treatment apparatus in a state where the water shortage signal is output, the control unit 60 does not operate, and outputs a water shortage signal to make the user confirm the water supply tank 80 .

A float installation portion 83 is formed on the inner side surface of the box body 82 for installation of the float case 105 , and the float 102 is installed inside the float case 105 . The float 102 moves up and down inside the float housing 105 under the action of buoyancy.

In this embodiment, the float 102 is set at the minimum water level at which steam can be supplied in one stroke. Even if the sensor 104 fails to detect the float 102 and transmits a signal related to lack of water to the control unit 60, at least one stroke of steam can be supplied. For this purpose, the float housing 105 of the water supply level sensor 100 is located in a position where water can be supplied to the steam unit during one stroke. That is, even if a signal of lack of water is detected during the supply of steam, the steam can be sufficiently supplied until the end of the course.

In addition, the float case 105 incorporating the float 102 is produced by injection molding when the case cover 84 and the case body 82 are subjected to die slide injection (DSI) molding.

The DSI is a molding technology developed for blow molding or molding sheet products. The products produced by the DSI do not require subsequent processes such as bonding or assembly after injection molding, and compared with blow molding or gas molding, the wall thickness is easy to adjust; in addition, the surface shape or dimensional accuracy is also excellent, The advantage is also that double injection or blow molding can be easily performed. It is a well-known technology for those skilled in the art to manufacture products by using the DSI, and the detailed description is omitted here.

In the present invention, the box body 82 and the box cover 84 are manufactured by DSI, and the float housing 105 is formed by injection molding inside during the manufacturing process. The boundaries of the box body 82 and the box cover 84 are combined to form an integral body during manufacture.

In addition, a float setting portion 83 is formed inside the case body 82, the case body 82 and the case cover 84 are formed by DSI, and the water supply level sensor 100 is injection-molded during DSI. to be formed on the float installation portion 83 . The drain water level sensor 101 is provided by injection molding in the same manner as the water supply level sensor 100 .

The case cover 84 is provided with a viewing window 85 capable of confirming the water level, and a handle portion 87 is formed in a concave shape for the user to put his hand in and hold it.

The handle portion 87 is formed in a concave shape on the rear side of the front surface of the case cover 84 .

A sensor fixing portion 88 is formed on the inner side surface of the case cover 84 . The sensor fixing portion 88 is formed to protrude from the inner surface of the case cover 84 . When the box cover 84 and the box body 82 are combined, the sensor fixing portion 88 is in close contact with the float housing 105 . Since the sensor fixing portion 88 is in close contact with the float case 105 , the float case 105 can be prevented from being detached from the float installation portion 83 .

The sensor fixing portion 88 can be made integrally with the case cover 84 .

The decorative cover 86 is formed in a shape covering the front surface of the case cover 84 and formed in a shape corresponding to the case cover 84 .

A water supply hole 81 is formed on the upper side of the box body 82 , and a water supply hole cover 89 that opens and closes the water supply hole 81 is arranged.

The water supply hole cover 89 is made of an elastic soft material, one end of which is fixed to the box body 82 , and the other end is bent by a user's operating force to open and close the water supply hole 81 .

The water supply check valve 110 includes: a check valve hole 111 formed on the lower side of the box body 82; a check component 112 combined with the check valve hole 111 for opening and closing the box The water inside the body main body 82 flows out through the water supply check valve 110 .

The non-return assembly 112 includes: a non-return housing 113, which is combined with the non-return valve hole 111 to form a non-return flow path 114 for supplying water to the inside of the steam unit 40; a valve 115, which is arranged in the non-return valve hole 111 The casing 113 is used for opening and closing the anti-reverse flow path 114 ; the anti-reverse elastic member 116 is arranged between the valve 115 and the casing main body 82 to provide elastic force to the valve 115 .

The end side of the valve 115 is formed to protrude downward, and when the water supply tank 80 is placed on the tank module frame 71 , the end side of the valve 115 is pushed and moved upward. At this time, the backflow prevention flow path 114 is opened by the movement of the valve 115 . When the water supply tank 80 is separated from the tank module frame 71 , the anti-return flow path 114 is closed by the elastic force of the anti-return elastic member 116 .

The drain tank 90 is functionally the same as the water supply tank 80 . The drainage tank 90 is arranged side by side with the water supply tank 80 .

Different from the water supply tank 80 , the drain check valve 120 of the drain tank 90 is provided on the back side of the drain tank 90 , not on the lower side.

Water can be supplied to the water supply tank 80 through the water supply hole 81 , and water can be drained through the water supply check valve 110 . The drain tank 90 can receive the supplied condensed water through the drain check valve 120 and discharge the condensed water through the water supply hole 81 .

That is, the drain check valve 120 of the drain tank 90 may be arranged on the flow path for receiving the supplied condensed water, not on the flow path for the purpose of discharging the condensed water.

Different from this embodiment, a structure in which the condensed water flows into the drain tank 90 through the water supply hole 81 can also be made. In addition, the condensed water may be automatically drained through the drain check valve 120 .

The condensed water generated in the processing chamber 12 and the condensed water generated in the heat pump unit 50 are stored in the drain tank 90 .

Inside the drain box 90, a float installation portion 93 is formed in which the float case 105 is installed.

The float setting portion 93 is preferably located at a height where the condensed water generated during one stroke will not overflow.

That is, the float installation part 93 is located in a position where the condensed water generated in the one stroke is completely stored in the drain tank 90 so as not to overflow.

Therefore, even if the drain water level sensor 101 of the drain tank 90 detects the signal of the float 102 during operation, the water in the drain tank 90 will not overflow due to the additionally stored condensed water.

The drain water level sensor 101 of the drain tank 90 is located higher than the water supply level sensor 100 of the water supply tank 80 .

The drain water level sensor 101 of the drain tank 90 has the same structure as the water supply level sensor 100 of the water supply tank 80 . However, it is different from the water supply tank 80 in the way of operation.

For example, the sensor 104 of the drain tank 90 does not normally detect the float 102, but when the condensate water level rises, it detects the float 102 rising due to buoyancy.

When the sensor 104 of the drainage tank 90 detects the float 102, the control unit 60 outputs a signal for discarding water. Even if the signal to discard the water is output, the condensed water will not overflow during the ongoing stroke.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be manufactured in various forms that are different from each other. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs It should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims (30)

1. A laundry treating apparatus, comprising:

a housing, the front side of which comprises an input port;

a door rotatably coupled to the housing to open and close the inlet;

a processing chamber arranged inside the shell and providing a containing space for placing clothes; and

a circulation chamber separated from the processing chamber and located below the processing chamber;

a circulation assembly located inside the circulation chamber, comprising: an air supply unit for circulating air in the accommodating space, a steam unit for supplying steam to the accommodating space, a heat pump unit for exchanging heat with the air in the accommodating space, and a control unit for controlling the air supply unit, the steam unit and the heat pump unit;

a water supply tank supplying water to the steam unit;

a tank module frame which is positioned below the treatment chamber and in front of the circulation chamber, divides the circulation chamber from the outside, and provides a tank installation space for detachably accommodating the water supply tank;

a water supply tank float housing located inside the water supply tank;

a water supply tank float which moves up and down in a height direction of the housing in a water supply tank float housing according to a water level of water stored in the water supply tank; and

a water supply tank sensor which is located at a position spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the height direction with respect to a bottom surface of the tank installation space on the tank module frame, detects the water supply tank float in a predetermined detection area, and transmits an electric signal to the control unit;

the predetermined distance is equal to or greater than a water level corresponding to a minimum amount of water that can be supplied to the steam unit until the driving of the steam unit is completed, even if the water tank float is located at a lower position than the detection area as the water level of the stored water changes during the driving of the steam unit;

in a stroke of the laundry treating apparatus in which the driving of the steam unit is performed, the control unit may cause the steam unit to generate the steam and supply the steam to the accommodating space, even if the water supply tank float is located at a lower position than the detection area due to the water level change of the stored water, until the stroke of the laundry treating apparatus is ended, as the steam unit is driven.

2. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

the control unit outputs a water shortage signal when the water supply tank float leaves the detection area.

3. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 2,

the control unit outputs a water shortage signal when a user turns on the power supply to drive the laundry treatment device when the water supply tank float is located at a lower position than the detection area.

4. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 2,

the control unit outputs a water shortage signal when a user turns on a power supply to drive the laundry treating apparatus in a state that the water supply tank is separated from the cabinet module frame.

5. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

the water supply tank sensor is provided on the tank module frame at a rear surface in a direction facing the circulation chamber.

6. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1,

the water supply tank sensor detects in advance a shortage of the water stored in the water supply tank and transmits a water shortage signal to the control unit when the water supply tank float is located at a lower position than the detection area as the water level of the stored water changes during the driving of the laundry treating apparatus;

the control unit also drives the steam unit after the water shortage signal is transmitted to the control unit.

7. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

the water supply tank sensor is arranged at a position where water of one stroke can be supplied to the steam unit, detects the shortage of water stored in the water supply tank in advance, and transmits a water shortage signal to the control unit;

after the water shortage signal is transmitted to the control unit, the steam unit is controlled to drive the one stroke.

8. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

the water supply tank float includes a magnet,

the water supply tank sensor detects a magnetic force of the magnet.

9. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 8,

when the water level of the water stored in the water service tank rises to a position higher than the upper end of the float housing of the water service tank, the float of the water service tank is submerged by the stored water.

10. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

a range in which the water supply tank float is movable according to a water level of water stored in the water supply tank is determined by upper and lower ends of the water supply tank float housing;

the detection region is located between the upper and lower ends of the water supply tank float housing.

11. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 10,

the detection region is closer to an upper end of the water service tank float housing than a lower end of the water service tank float housing.

12. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

the float of the water supply tank moves up and down with the change of the water level of the water stored in the water supply tank by buoyancy.

13. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1,

the water supply tank float housing is located rearward of the interior of the water supply tank.

14. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 13,

the water supply tank float housing is formed to extend in the height direction.

15. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

a part of at least one surface of the float housing of the water supply tank is opened, and water inside the water supply tank flows into or out of the float housing of the water supply tank as a water level of water stored in the water supply tank is changed.

16. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

the upper end of the float case of the water supply tank is higher than a first position of the float of the water supply tank in the detection area based on the bottom of the tank installation space,

the height of the lower end of the water supply tank float case is lower than a predetermined second position at which the water supply tank float is located lower than the detection area.

17. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 16,

the water supply tank float contacts an upper surface of the water supply tank float housing forming an upper end of the water supply tank float housing at the first position.

18. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 16,

the lower end of the water supply tank float housing is spaced apart from the bottom surface of a storage space formed inside the water supply tank so that the water supplied to the water supply tank is stored in the water supply tank float housing.

19. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

further comprising:

a drain tank in which condensed water generated by at least one of the heat pump unit and the processing chamber is drained and stored;

the drain tank is detachably accommodated in the tank installation space together with the water supply tank.

20. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 19,

further comprising:

a drain tank float housing located inside the drain tank;

a drain tank float moving up and down in the height direction in the drain tank float housing according to a water level of water stored in the drain tank;

and a drain tank sensor positioned in the tank module frame, detecting the drain tank float in a predetermined detection area, and transmitting an electric signal to the control unit.

21. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 20,

and the water supply tank sensor and the water drainage tank sensor are respectively positioned at different heights on the box module frame by taking the bottom surface of the box setting space as a reference.

22. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 21,

the position of the drain tank sensor is higher than the position of the water supply tank sensor with the bottom surface of the tank body installation space as a reference.

23. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 19,

the water supply tank and the drain tank are received in the tank body installation space such that one of left and right side surfaces of the water supply tank and one of left and right side surfaces of the drain tank face each other.

24. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

the water supply tank includes:

a box body, the front surface of which comprises an opening part; and

and a case cover coupled to the opening and forming a storage space for storing water together with the case body.

25. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 24,

the water supply tank float housing is located rearward of the interior of the tank body.

26. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 24,

the water supply tank further includes a water supply check valve positioned at a bottom surface of the storage space to transfer the water stored in the water supply tank to the steam unit.

27. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 26,

the water service box further includes a decorative cover combined with the box cover to cover a front aspect of the box cover.

28. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 27,

the deco-cover includes an opening formed in a height direction of the housing for confirming a water level of water stored in the water supply tank.

29. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

the water supply tank includes a handle portion formed to be recessed at an upper side of a front surface of the water supply tank.

30. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1,

the stroke of the laundry treating apparatus further includes driving of the air blowing unit or the heat pump unit.

Images